The Ford Barn

jwaldrich · 01-12-2019, 02:17 PM

What would cause a headlight to burn out quickly?

I installed a new headlight and it burnt out the first time I turned the lights on.
The other light works fine.

J Franklin · 01-12-2019, 02:50 PM

A bad or loose ground can do it, or a bad bulb.

Charlie Stephens · 01-12-2019, 02:57 PM

Six volt bulb, 12 volt system (maybe mislabeled from manufacturer)? Cheap bulb/poor quality control? Bulb dropped damaging filament? If the car was running maybe voltage spike from generator?

Charlie Stephens

A bones · 01-12-2019, 03:38 PM

Manufacturing defect. It happens.

cas3 · 01-12-2019, 04:39 PM

i have a stash of sealed beam bulbs here saved from junkers, 6&12v, and once in a while when testing the bulb will light, then fill with smoke, then dead. it happens instantly, makes you angry, and i have never know why it happens. bad ground is my guess. usually testing done with a small battery charger. any thoughts?

A bones · 01-12-2019, 06:28 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Leakage, oxygen present = ignition.

cas3 · 01-12-2019, 07:21 PM

by golly that makes sense mr a bones ! i guess i saved em too long. shoulda been used before they leaked

A bones · 01-12-2019, 08:18 PM

I've been overdue for a score.

01-12-2019, 02:17 PM	#1
jwaldrich Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Orting Wa Posts: 290	Burnt Out Headlight What would cause a headlight to burn out quickly? I installed a new headlight and it burnt out the first time I turned the lights on. The other light works fine. __________________ John from Kapowsin T&A Guy

01-12-2019, 02:50 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,979	Re: Burnt Out Headlight A bad or loose ground can do it, or a bad bulb.

01-12-2019, 02:57 PM	#3
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,044	Re: Burnt Out Headlight Six volt bulb, 12 volt system (maybe mislabeled from manufacturer)? Cheap bulb/poor quality control? Bulb dropped damaging filament? If the car was running maybe voltage spike from generator? Charlie Stephens

01-12-2019, 03:38 PM	#4
A bones Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: CLAYTON DE Posts: 1,284	Re: Burnt Out Headlight Manufacturing defect. It happens. __________________ Enjoy yer day. Tom Hate can't fix what it started.

01-12-2019, 04:39 PM	#5
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sw minnesota Posts: 4,586	Re: Burnt Out Headlight i have a stash of sealed beam bulbs here saved from junkers, 6&12v, and once in a while when testing the bulb will light, then fill with smoke, then dead. it happens instantly, makes you angry, and i have never know why it happens. bad ground is my guess. usually testing done with a small battery charger. any thoughts?

01-12-2019, 06:28 PM	#6
A bones Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: CLAYTON DE Posts: 1,284	Re: Burnt Out Headlight Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Leakage, oxygen present = ignition. __________________ Enjoy yer day. Tom Hate can't fix what it started.

01-12-2019, 07:21 PM	#7
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sw minnesota Posts: 4,586	Re: Burnt Out Headlight by golly that makes sense mr a bones ! i guess i saved em too long. shoulda been used before they leaked

01-12-2019, 08:18 PM	#8
A bones Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: CLAYTON DE Posts: 1,284	Re: Burnt Out Headlight I've been overdue for a score. __________________ Enjoy yer day. Tom Hate can't fix what it started.